Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Pravartak Technologies Foundation is partnering with Sony India Software Centre Pvt. Ltd. to equip students from economically disadvantaged background with industry-ready technical skills. This course is being offered completely free of cost.

Called the 'Sony India Finishing School Skill Development Training Program,' it will provide training in select areas such as Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cyber Security and Computer Graphics besides Business Communication skills.

Those interested can apply using the following link - https://sonyfs.pravartak.org.in/

Highlighting the impact this program could have, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, "This program is intended to bridge the knowledge and skillset gap that exist between graduating students and the industry's requirement. We hope that many students, specifically from non-urban parts of India will benefit from this initiative."

Sony India Software Centre will extend employment to the top 15 performers of this course. The Pravartak Technologies Foundation will assist the remaining students with placement in other companies by arranging for their interviews through the IITM PTF placement cell.

The student selection process is based on Academic performance of Engineering graduates who passed out in 2020-2021, 2021-2022 with a minimum of 60 per cent aggregate in all examinations and whose parents have an annual income of less than RS. 8 lakh.

In addition, a written entrance examination would also be conducted followed by an interview. Students who successfully clear the evaluation with the highest score are eligible for a stipend provided under the training program.

The duration of the course is approximately six months. It will be a full-time course, conducted in physical mode in classrooms provided by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation. Certificates will be provided for the students on successfully completing the training program.